Design, Architecture, Gardens, Southern California Living

Weekly Wrap-Up: The do-it-yourself edition

October 24, 2009 | 10:01
am

In this week's print section:

Eagle Rock bungalow: Alan Hopkins, above, replaces his redwood siding, installs new windows, hangs new kitchen cabinets and refaces a garden wall. Which projects were worth the time, sweat, back strain and heat exhaustion? We offered a hint in the print edition, but you can see the full results in our extended photo gallery.

Smog Shoppe: An L.A. couple converts an old smog-check station into a bit of fresh air. Smog Shoppe may be a party venue (think weddings, film screenings and the like), but the design holds a bevy of ideas that DIYers could steal for home. (Above right: tables made of salvaged wood and stained with coffee grounds.) Our extended photo gallery gives you a long look at the place and its sister venue, Marvimon.

Barn turned loft: Former chicken house turned into family house? See it for yourself and read Barbara Thornburg's story.

Concrete jungle, tamed: Slice up the patio for a prettier, more environmentally friendly yard. The story and photo gallery.